But what about a heavy heart?
A heavy heart is hard to explain. It's not a personal heath issue from having too much greasy food, or a heart that has more mass than some other heart. The World English Dictionary defines it as: sad or dejected in spirit or mood. I think this is a good descriptor, but it isn't a complete understanding.
The Lord has created us with so much depth, it's overwhelming to think about! Take a moment to think of the people closest to you in your life. What different aspects do they bring? How has the Lord gifted those around you to think and behave differently?
I've been gifted with people who process things as much as I do, and those who make quick decisions without over analyzing. People who are overly positive with the best outlook, and those who have a more realistic view of life.
One friend that I value highly is someone who has an emotional radio of sorts, as if they can 'tune-in' to my life and listen. This friend understands how I am doing without needing to ask, if they do -- I have to be honest because it's already known. This friend has been an encouragement because I know that their heart is heavy when I have something difficult going on in my life.
If someone says they have a heart -- it typically isn't in the most energetic way. I would argue with the dictionary definition of a sad or dejected (depressed) mood. I don't know if I can explain it well, but I think that many of us understand it fully. I would try it as high emotional feeling for the situations and feelings of self or others. In layman's terms it's when a life situation affects you beyond that immediate situation.
When someone you know goes through a difficult time in life, you feel for them even though you yourself aren't going through the same trial. When you lose someone that is close to you, you feel it in the depth of your heart. One moment you're in a difficult time active and present, the next you're not -- but you constantly feel the struggle.
If this isn't something that you've experienced I would challenge you to try to understand those close to you in a different way. When you ask a friend how they're doing -- listen! Don't just hear what they are saying but actively listen! Don't be thinking of what to say while they're talking, but listen to the situation that they're going through. Be willing to spend time listening, not just creating conversation. If you ask how someone is doing, be willing to actually find out.
When I have a heavy heart it is most often for the life situations of those around me. So I have a heavy heart, now what? I don't have a crane or fulcrum to help with that! The most influential and beneficial thing that you can do is pray!
Philippians 4:6-7 says:Pray about everything and the peace of God will guard your heart, will calm your heart, will ease the load on your heart. Sometimes prayer can be difficult, you don't know what to say or how to address the things on your heart:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Romans 8:26If we have the right attitude, the willingness to listen to others we can bless them through prayer -- whether we know what to say or not.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
Go forward from today with discernment, being willing to listen to your good friends -- should they be ready and willing to share. Not so that you can be weighed down by other's troubles, but to be a witness and encouragement in their life. With an understanding of where your brother is troubled, you can be in prayer lifting them up to our God so that they can understand what the Lord is doing in their life.
